After years of dominating Hollywood sets, Priyanka Chopra Jonas is officially back in the heart of Indian cinema, but she didn’t come back without a specific set of rules. During a recent press briefing for SS Rajamouli’s highly anticipated film, Varanasi, the actress revealed the one non-negotiable condition she gave the director before joining the project: she had to dance.
A Return to Rhythm
The global star, who has spent the last several years filming gritty dramas and action-packed series abroad, admitted that she missed the vibrant, musical energy of Indian filmmaking. When Rajamouli approached her for the role of Mandakini, Priyanka’s response was immediate and focused on the spectacle.
“I told him very clearly, ‘Please make me dance. I haven’t had the chance to really dance in so long!'” she shared. For Priyanka, the request wasn’t just about the performance; it was about reclaiming the “Desi Girl” persona that her fans have missed.
Rajamouli’s Response: “Challenge Accepted”
Known for his “larger-than-life” storytelling, SS Rajamouli didn’t just meet her condition—he magnified it. Priyanka jokingly shared that she might have been a bit too successful with her request, as the director has put her through some of the most intense choreography of her career.
“I think I should have been more specific!” she laughed. “Because Rajamouli sir took it very seriously. The energy and the scale of the songs we are filming are unlike anything I’ve ever done.”
Collateral Damage: Mahesh Babu Joins the Fun
The actress’s request has also had an impact on her co-star, Mahesh Babu. The Telugu superstar reportedly teased Priyanka on set, playfully blaming her for the exhausting rehearsal schedule they both now face.
“Mahesh keeps saying, ‘This is all your fault!'” Priyanka revealed. Despite the long hours, the duo has already completed a massive musical sequence that the crew believes will be the highlight of the film.
The Scale of ‘Varanasi’
With a staggering budget of ₹1300 crore and a cast that spans the best of Bollywood and Tollywood, Varanasi is being positioned as a global cinematic event. For Priyanka, filming in the sacred city is a full-circle moment, blending her personal spirituality with her professional comeback.
As the production continues, the anticipation is building not just for the story, but for the moment the “Desi Girl” finally breaks into song on the big screen once again. To know such latest updates tuned tellyboosters.com Thank you!
